Steve and Nellie lived in Los Angeles, California.
In the first decade of the twentieth century, Los Angeles had grown to a population of more than 100,000.
The city had prospered from the coming of the railroad which led to a remarkably diverse economy that was further boosted by the discovery of oil in the 1890’s.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles
In March of 1911 (?), Nellie sent a postcard photograph to her mother.
Mother, Mrs. C. C. Gorman, lived in Orcutt, California.
Orcutt is an unincorporated community in Santa Barbara County, about 150 miles northwest of LA.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orcutt,_California
In the photograph, Steve and Nellie have modified the traditional pose – Steve is seated, but Nellie appears to be perched on the arm of the chair instead of standing.
Steve is wearing a suit and tie; Nellie wears a lacy shirtwaist and a long skirt.
Nellie wears her hair up, and sports small glasses on her nose.
On the reverse, Nellie writes, “Just so you won’t forget us”.
Like millions of others in the early 20th century, Steve and Nellie used postcard photographs to affirm bonds with distant friends and family members.
Mother seems to have treasured the memento as it was preserved if very good condition throughout her life.
One hopes that Steve and Nellie enjoyed a wonderful marriage and a happy life in the new, 20th century.
